What's Up Docs?
In this BBC Radio 4 podcast, Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken are on a mission to help us take better care of ourselves. Although they are identical twins, Chris and Xand are very different and they never stop thinking and arguing about science and health. They want to lead healthy, happy lives and as doctors, they want this for everyone. Yet they tussle over how best to get there. When it comes to looking after our own health, it can be confusing. Medicine and science produce amazing new treatments and diagnostics every day and we are bombarded with so many headlines and pieces of advice; but how are we supposed to know what's really best for us and then successfully apply it to our lives? Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken embrace this challenge; even as they marvel at the scientific breakthroughs, they grapple with the competing claims about health, wellbeing and how to live. From understanding testosterone therapies to microplastics in our diets, and the concept of 'hangriness' to the power of saying no - this podcast deals with the health stresses we all face every day, while taking on board how the decisions by corporations and governments affect all our health. Each episode, Chris and Xand are joined by an expert guest to examine the latest research, psychological insights, and data, to help listeners navigate the overwhelming amount of information and advice out there. They talk about the trials and tribulations in their own lives in their characteristically witty way - each teasing the other as they search for solutions. Xand has trouble sleeping , Chris has noisy knees, one of them has got an embarrassing itch. They have different ways of looking at things and find it really helpful to get the other one's point of view. These doctors are trying their best and encouraging listeners to do the same. Email: [email protected] Whatsapp: 08000 665123 A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.
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Recent Episodes
Doctors' Notes: Lymphatic system
May 26, 2026Chris and Xand continue their conversation about the lymphatic system with Professor Kristiana Gordon, a Consultant in Dermatology and Lymphovascular Medicine. The docs ask about the growing field of...
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In this Doctor's Notes episode, twins Dr. Chris Van Tulleken and Dr. Xand Van Tulleken continue their conversation with Professor Christiana Furtado, a pioneering consultant in dermatology and lymphovascular medicine. They explore how she became the UK's first doctor with specialized training in the lymphatic system, her work with lymphedema patients over decades, the genetic causes of primary lymphedema, and emerging surgical treatments. Christiana shares insights about the challenging nature of living with this chronic, incurable condition and discusses her groundbreaking MRC-funded research into genetic causes and new imaging techniques.
- Becoming a Pioneer in Lymphovascular Medicine
- Living with Lymphedema: The Patient Experience
Do our lymphatic systems need a detox?
May 26, 2026Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where identical twin doctors Chris and Xand van Tulleken cut through the confusion around every aspect of our health and wellbeing. In this episode, Chris and ...
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Dr. Chris van Tulleken and Dr. Xand van Tulleken explore the lymphatic system with Professor Christiana Gordon, a leading expert in lymphovascular medicine. They discuss what the lymphatic system is, how it works, common diseases like lymphedema affecting hundreds of thousands, and separate medical facts from wellness myths about lymphatic detoxing. The conversation reveals surprising gaps in medical education about this crucial but overlooked body system.
- Introduction and Chris's New Cat
- What is the Lymphatic System
Doctors' Notes: Hay fever
May 19, 2026In this Doctors' Notes episode of What’s Up Docs?, Chris and Xand van Tulleken take a deeper dive into hay fever with Professor Stephen Till. The docs and their guest explore whether hay fever is rea...
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Professor Stephen Till discusses hay fever in depth, covering its underlying biology, treatment options, and the impact of climate change. Till, who developed tree pollen allergy in his mid-40s, shares insights from his extensive research career and clinical practice. The episode explores everything from basic antihistamine mechanisms to advanced desensitization therapies, while addressing why hay fever seasons are expanding and how environmental factors influence allergic responses.
- Professor Till's Journey into Allergy Research
- Personal Experience with Tree Pollen Allergy
Why do we get hay fever?
May 19, 2026Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore the ideas shaping our health and wellbeing. In this episode, they turn their attention to...
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Dr. Chris and Dr. Zand explore hay fever in depth with Professor Stephen Till, a leading allergist from King's College London. They cover the shocking prevalence of hay fever affecting 30-40% of the UK population, the various triggers from tree pollen to dust mites, and most importantly, evidence-based treatments that actually work. The episode provides practical guidance on over-the-counter solutions, proper technique for nasal sprays, and when to seek medical help, making it essential listening for the millions suffering through pollen season.
- The Scale and Impact of Hay Fever
- Understanding What Hay Fever Actually Is
Doctors' Notes: Calcium
May 12, 2026Chris and Xand continue their conversation about calcium with Dr Sagen Zac-Varghese. The docs want to know about common issues that are seen around calcium and bone health, especially osteoporosis. T...
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Dr. Sargent Zach Vigeese, a consultant in diabetes, endocrinology, and general internal medicine, shares her extensive knowledge and passion for calcium metabolism, parathyroid function, and bone health. The discussion explores how parathyroid hormone fiercely defends calcium levels, the evolutionary origins of these systems dating back 375 million years, and practical guidance on osteoporosis prevention and treatment. The conversation reveals fascinating connections between ancient fish gills, space travel, hibernating bears, and modern bone health management.
- The Parathyroid Gland: Discovery and Function
- Parathyroid Disorders: Too Much and Too Little
Are we getting enough calcium?
May 12, 2026Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken cut through the confusion around every aspect of our health and wellbeing. In this episode, Chris...
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In this episode of What's Up Docs, hosts Chris and Zandi explore calcium with guest Dr. Sajan Verghese, an expert in endocrinology and bone health. They discuss calcium's crucial roles beyond just bone structure, how it works with vitamin D, optimal dietary sources, and practical exercise strategies to maintain bone health throughout life. The conversation covers peak bone mass, the remodeling process, and evidence-based approaches to preventing osteoporosis.
- Understanding Calcium: More Than Just Bones
- The Calcium-Vitamin D Connection
Doctors' Notes: Snoring
May 05, 2026Chris and Xand continue their conversation about snoring with Dr Sophie West, a consultant respiratory physician and lead of Newcastle regional sleep service. They take a deeper look at what happens ...
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In this episode of Doctor's Notes, Dr. Chris and Dr. Zand sit down with Professor Sophie West to explore the intricacies of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), going beyond basic snoring into the serious medical implications of repeated breathing cessations during sleep. They discuss how OSA is diagnosed using tools like the STOPBANG questionnaire, the life-changing impact of CPAP therapy, and the surprising connections between sleep apnea and other health conditions including high blood pressure, diabetes, gout, and mental health. The conversation addresses practical concerns about driving licenses, relationship impacts, and emerging treatments, offering hope and actionable guidance for listeners struggling with sleep issues.
- Sophie West's Journey into Sleep Medicine
- Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea Mechanics
Why do you snore?
May 05, 2026Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where identical twin doctors Chris and Xand van Tulleken cut through the confusion around every aspect of our health and wellbeing. In this episode they're loo...
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Dr. Zand and Dr. Chris explore the common problem of snoring in this episode of What's Up Docs. Joined by sleep expert Dr. Sophie West, they discuss what causes snoring, when it becomes a health concern, and practical solutions ranging from lifestyle changes to medical devices. The episode clarifies the difference between simple snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, offering reassurance that occasional snoring isn't inherently dangerous while providing actionable advice for those whose snoring affects their relationships or quality of life.
- Understanding What Snoring Actually Is
- Risk Factors and Triggers for Snoring
Doctors' Notes: Balance
Apr 28, 2026Chris and Xand continue their conversation with physiotherapist and vestibular rehabilitation specialist, Maggie Stacey. They explore why alcohol can make us unsteady, how our sense of balance develop...
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In this Doctor's Notes segment following a main episode on balance, physiotherapist Maggie discusses the vestibular system, balance testing, and practical ways to improve balance throughout life. She demonstrates clinical balance tests, explores how balance declines with age, discusses common conditions like vestibular migraine, and emphasizes that people shouldn't wait until they fall to start working on their balance. The conversation covers everything from childhood physical literacy to managing balance disorders in clinical practice.
- Personal Experience with Balance Challenges
- The Vestibular System: The Body's Most Underappreciated System
Should you improve your balance?
Apr 28, 2026Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken tune in to the ideas shaping our health and wellbeing. In this episode, they turn their attentio...
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Doctors' Notes: Voice
Apr 21, 2026Chris and Xand continue their conversation about the complexities of the voice with speech and language therapist, Lydia Hart. They ask why so many of us cringe at the sound of our own voice and wheth...
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Voice specialist Lydia Hart joins Doctors Chris and Zand Van Tulleken to discuss the fascinating science of voice, its connection to our nervous system, and how our voices reflect our identity and emotional state. The conversation explores how voices are as unique as fingerprints, the malleability of vocal characteristics, and the profound two-way relationship between voice and wellbeing. Lydia shares insights from her clinical practice treating voice disorders and working with performers, while revealing how simple practices like singing or humming can directly calm our nervous system.
- Voice Uniqueness and Twin Voice Comparison
- Why We Sound Different to Ourselves
How do we care for our voices?
Apr 21, 2026Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken tune in to the ideas shaping our health and wellbeing. In this episode, they turn their attentio...
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In this episode of What's Up Docs, Dr. Chris and Dr. Zand explore the fascinating world of voice with speech and language therapist Lydia Hart. The discussion covers the anatomy of voice production, how hormones and emotions affect our voices, practical tips for vocal care, and when voice changes require medical attention. The hosts also candidly discuss Chris's recent headache scare and the psychological barriers doctors face when seeking their own healthcare.
- Chris's Headache Journey and Healthcare Anxiety
- Voice Anatomy and Production
Doctors' Notes: Feet
Apr 14, 2026Drs Chris and Xand continue their conversation about feet with Professor Anthony Redmond, an expert in clinical biomechanics at the Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine. Together,...
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In this Doctor's Notes bonus episode, twins Dr. Chris and Dr. Zand van Tulleken continue their conversation with Professor Anthony Redmond, a clinical biomechanics expert and foot specialist. The discussion covers his experience writing the foot and ankle chapter for Grey's Anatomy, the mechanics of walking, the impact of high-heeled shoes, and practical advice for common foot problems including bunions, plantar heel pain, and foot care for people with diabetes.
- Writing Grey's Anatomy: An Academic Honor
- The Biomechanics of Walking: A Complex Dance
How can you look after your feet?
Apr 14, 2026Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where identical twin doctors Chris and Xand van Tulleken cut through the confusion around every aspect of our health and wellbeing. In this episode, they turn ...
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This episode of What's Up Docs explores the extraordinary anatomy and function of human feet, featuring Professor Anthony Redmond, a clinical biomechanics expert who authored the foot chapter in Grey's Anatomy. The discussion covers how feet work mechanically, common foot problems, proper footwear selection, and practical foot care advice, emphasizing a surprisingly relaxed approach to foot health for most people.
- The Art of Making the Perfect Cup of Tea
- The Extraordinary Engineering of Human Feet
Doctors' Notes: Cholesterol
Apr 07, 2026Chris and Xand take a closer look at cholesterol - what it is, why it worries so many people, and how diet and medicine fit into the picture. They’re joined again by Professor Nita Forouhi, Professor ...
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Dr. Nita Farooqi joins the Van Tulleken brothers to demystify dietary fats and cholesterol, cutting through social media noise to deliver evidence-based guidance. The discussion covers the different types of fats, debunks misconceptions about seed oils, explains why saturated fat matters more than dietary cholesterol, and provides practical advice for choosing healthy cooking oils. Farooqi emphasizes focusing on overall dietary patterns rather than fixating on individual nutrients.
- The Complex World of Dietary Fats
- How Saturated Fat Raises Cholesterol
How should we think about cholesterol?
Apr 07, 2026Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken untangle the confusion around every aspect of our health and wellbeing. In this episode, they tak...
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Dr. Zand and Dr. Chris explore the confusing world of cholesterol with Professor Nita Faroohi from Cambridge University. They debunk common myths about dietary cholesterol, explain the difference between LDL and HDL, discuss lifestyle interventions, and address concerns about statins. The episode provides clear, evidence-based guidance on understanding cholesterol levels and managing cardiovascular risk.
- Understanding Cholesterol: What It Is and Why We Need It
- Good vs Bad Cholesterol: LDL, HDL, and What Your Numbers Mean
Doctors' Notes: Light
Mar 31, 2026Chris and Xand continue their conversation about the sun's effect on our happiness with Professor Hester Parr, human geography and research lead of Living with Seasonal Affective Disorder. The doctor...
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Professor Hester Parr, a human geography professor at the University of Glasgow, discusses her research on seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and the relationship between sunlight, weather, and mental health. The conversation explores how people experience winter depression, cultural attitudes toward seasons, and creative approaches to managing SAD beyond traditional light therapy. The research emphasizes listening to lived experiences and reframing one's relationship with winter through activities like writing letters to the season and using creative observation tools.
- The Genesis of SAD Research in Glasgow
- Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder
Why do we feel happier when the sun’s out?
Mar 31, 2026Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken cut through the confusion around every aspect of our health and wellbeing. In this episode, Chris...
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Dr. Chris and Dr. Zand explore the profound impact of natural light on mental health and wellbeing, featuring Professor Hester Parr, a human geographer from the University of Glasgow. The episode examines seasonal affective disorder, the relationship between latitude and mood, and practical interventions for managing winter darkness. The discussion emphasizes how culture, geography, and simple outdoor practices can transform our relationship with light and seasonal changes.
- Light's Biological Impact on Mental Health
- The Lux Scale: Measuring Light's Impact
Doctors' Notes: Buildings
Mar 24, 2026Chris and Xand continue their conversation about how the built environment affects our health, with architect Lisa Finlay from Heatherwick Studio. They ask when wellbeing first became a serious consi...
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In this Doctor's Notes bonus episode, architects Lisa Finlay joins hosts Dr. Chris and Dr. Zand Van Tulleken for an extended conversation about architecture, public health, and urban design. They explore how buildings impact human wellbeing, the importance of visual complexity and texture in architecture, sustainable building materials like stone, and the need to preserve and repurpose existing structures. The discussion reveals fascinating connections between architectural design and human health, emphasizing how buildings can either enhance or diminish our quality of life through their design, materials, and integration into communities.
- The Thousand Trees Project: Rethinking Urban Development
- Buildings as Long-Term Investments in Human Experience
Can buildings make us healthier?
Mar 24, 2026Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore the building blocks of our health and wellbeing. In this episode, they step outside into ...
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Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore how architecture and built environments affect our physical and mental health, featuring a conversation with architect Lisa Finlay at Coal Drops Yard in London. They discuss the parallels between ultra-processed food and ultra-processed architecture, examining how thoughtfully designed spaces can create joy, curiosity, and wellbeing, while sterile environments may harm us in ways we don't consciously recognize.
- Introduction to Coal Drops Yard and the Built Environment
- First Impressions: How Spaces Make Us Feel